Market watchers will be keeping a close eye on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.

On Thursday, the Fed is widely expected to boost rates for the 17th consecutive time, lifting the benchmark rate to 5.25% from 5%. However, investors will key in on the statement for signs the Fed might be close to stopping its campaign of rate hikes.

Here at home, that economic data calendar is light.

On Monday, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty meets with provincial and territorial finance ministers and treasurers as well as securities officials today through Wednesday in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Among the topics up for discussion is a single national securities regulator.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada releases data for gross domestic product for April. Economists forecast GDP growth of 0.2%.

South of the border

On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases data on new home sales for May. Economists expect sales are likely to ease slightly to an annual rate of about 1.15 million.

On Tuesday, existing-home sales for May are forecast to come in at of 6.62 million, down 2% from April.

The consumer-confidence index for June is forecast to edge up to 103.5 from 103.2 in May. High energy prices and rising interest rates continue to damp sentiment.

On Thursday, the Fed announces its decision on short-term interest rates.

Also Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases final data for first-quarter GDP. Economists forecast annualized growth of 5.6%.

Separately, the U.S. Department of Labor reports on initial jobless claims. Economists forecast 310,000 claims for the week ended June 24, compared with 308,000 the previous week.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases data on personal income for May. Personal spending is projected to have increased 0.4%, outpacing a 0.2% rise in personal income. The personal-consumption-expenditure price index is expected to come in at 2.1%, the second month in a row above the 2%-a-year ceiling of the Fed’s comfort zone.

Corporate earnings

AGF Management Ltd. releases its second-quarter results on Wednesday.

Among other companies set to release quarterly earnings are: Research In Motion Ltd.; ATI Technologies Inc.; Empire Co.; Sobeys Inc.; Norbord Inc.